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CEILING.PRECISE Function

Excel 2010+

Summary

The CEILING.PRECISE function rounds a number up to the nearest integer or specified multiple, always using mathematical ceiling logic regardless of sign values. It ensures consistent upward rounding behavior for precise numerical adjustments.

Syntax

CEILING.PRECISE(number, [significance])

Parameters

Parameter	Type	Required	Description
number	`Number`	Yes	The value requiring upward rounding to nearest multiple
significance	`Number`	No	Target multiple for rounding (optional, defaults to 1)

Using the CEILING.PRECISE Function

CEILING.PRECISE delivers reliable mathematical ceiling functionality, perfect for financial calculations, inventory rounding, pricing tiers, and data standardization where numbers must always round upward irrespective of sign combinations.

Common CEILING.PRECISE Examples

Basic Positive Number Rounding

=CEILING.PRECISE(4.3)

Rounds 4.3 up to nearest integer (5) using default significance of 1.

Negative Number Handling

=CEILING.PRECISE(-4.3)

Rounds -4.3 to -4 (toward positive infinity).

Custom Multiple Rounding

=CEILING.PRECISE(4.3,2)

Rounds 4.3 up to nearest multiple of 2 (6).

Negative Significance Test

=CEILING.PRECISE(4.3,-2)

Rounds 4.3 to 6 (absolute value of significance used).

Complex Negative Case

=CEILING.PRECISE(-4.3,-2)

Rounds -4.3 to -4 using mathematical ceiling logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

CEILING.PRECISE always uses mathematical ceiling (toward +∞), while CEILING follows the significance parameter's sign.

Defaults to 1, rounding to nearest integer using mathematical ceiling.

Returns zero when either number or significance is zero.

Common Errors and Solutions

#VALUE! Error

Cause: Non-numeric values passed to number or significance

Solution: Ensure both arguments contain valid numbers

Unexpected rounding direction

Cause: Confusing with CEILING function behavior

Solution: Remember CEILING.PRECISE always rounds toward positive infinity

Notes

Available in Excel 2010 and later versions
Uses absolute value of significance parameter
Perfect replacement for CEILING when consistent upward rounding needed
Ideal for tax calculations, shipping weights, and billing increments

Compatibility

Available in: Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365

Not available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2003, Earlier versions

Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2010+